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Band recording soon... what to take to studio?

A

ahbassman

Dec 8, 2009
208
19
Houston, Texas
#1
So my band is going to record our first EP early February and I was wondering what equipment I would need. Obviously my bass and probably my amp head... but what about cabs? I figured id just run direct to the interface....

My gear:

Ampeg SVT-200T
Ashdown ABM 210
Ashdown MAG 115

Studios gear:

BASS
Ampeg B-25 from 1969, all tube
Ampeg Classic 4x10 speaker cab
Ashdown ABM 400, hybrid
Lakland Duck Dunn


should i even bother taking my own stuff?.... other then my bass that is.
 
#2
I would bring your cab. When I recorded, it was nice not bringing an amp and just using a DI box, but I think I would have been happier with a miked cab. This is just to make sure, you may not like the direct sound, it's good to have plenty of options to make sure you get the sound you want. But if you're pressed for time and money, maybe just your bass and amp, a studio engineer who knows what he's doing should be able to get you the best sound possible.
 
#3
Id just bring the bass and head. plan on using one of their heads though and bring yours just incase. Most studios with gear like that will also have an engineer that is very good at getting great tones from it.
 
#4
Take as much gear as you can fit in your car! Even if you don't use half of it, at least you'll have the option to.

It takes all of 5 minutes to mike up a cab and you can record several different configurations (DI, Cab A, Cab B etc) at once. Again, even if you don't use all of the signals, at least they're there just in case!

Edit: A lot of people feel more comfortable playing through their own amps in the studio which can also lead to better performances.
 
#6
With the amp options they have I wouldn't schlepp your 200T or one of your cabs. Fill that space in your car with as many different-sounding basses as you can--rent, borrow, whatever. Your profile says you have your Ibanez, and they have a nice P in-house with that Dunn, so see if you can at least get a hold of a decent Jazz for the session to have on hand as well. The bass can always be re-amp'd later anyways. Have as many instrument options as you can comfortably swing.
 
#7
Bring whatever you want. It has more to do with the engineer/producer than you, especially if it's your first time recording. There are no rules and there is no best way. Depends a lot on the experience of both the musicians and the whoever's doing the recording. You can go with a cable, tuner and bass (the studio has everything else) and I'm sure it would be more than fine, or you can take everything you own if it makes you happy. Might be great, they might tell you to leave it all in your car. :)
 
#12
You might want to confirm with the engineer what he wants brought. No use bringing your amp is the guy won't use it anyway. I've gone to the studio with as little as just my bass, and as much as my full rig.

Other than that, bring some clif bars or something similar and water/non-alcoholic drinks (if they don't have water there). The studio can be a grueling and tiring process, it helps to have some sustenance while your there.
 
#13
A good attitude and an open mind. Listen to what the engineer tells you and be open to try something he suggests. As far as equipment, you may want to bring it along, but I would bet the engineer is going to want you to use what they have. Again, don't object to it until you hear the results. If you don't like the tone you're getting, suggest bringing in your own stuff. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. :cool:
 
#14
I'd take my amp and cab. With some bad luck, the amps they claim to have are out for repair or not in the studio at the moment you're there.... Also if you're happy with the tone you have, you need to try to get that tone recorded. Its how your band sounds, its how it should be on the recording right?
 

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